Defining moments

Marriage | Traditional marriage took a big hit last week, as three different athorities moved to alter the institution. The consequences could be widespread | Lynn Vincent

David Greedy/Getty Images

Across the country, same-sex marriage boosters are celebrating a banner week in what they see as a struggle for civil rights. "We've shown that truth and fairness and justice and love are more powerful than one man's veto pen," said Beth Robinson, chairwoman of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, who sat at the rear of the Vermont statehouse on April 7 and wiped away tears as lawmakers overrode by the thinnest possible margin (100-49) a gubernatorial veto of a bill legalizing same-sex marriage.

On the same day, the Washington, D.C., city council voted to recognize homosexual unions solemnized in other states. Council member David Catania, who is homosexual, told reporters the vote was part of "the march towards human rights and equality."